Xianyang

Next to Xi’an, Xianyang combines Qin and Han dynasty remains from its long history as the Qin capital with the everyday rhythms of life in Guanzhong. The city has a relatively quiet atmosphere. For a weekend or short holiday, combine visits to imperial tombs with local noodle dishes for an easy short break.

• Hanyangling Mausoleum: The tomb of Emperor Jing of Han is also home to China’s first fully underground archaeological site museum. Glass walkways along the underground visitor route let you look down at 2,000-year-old pottery figures, originally dressed in clothing, displayed where they were found.

• Maoling Museum: Exhibits focus on the mausoleum of Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che. Maoling is the largest of the Western Han imperial mausoleums. Look out for the national-treasure stone sculpture “Horse Trampling a Xiongnu Warrior,” with its simple, archaic forms and powerful carving. A guided explanation helps put it in context.

• Qianling Mausoleum: Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, and Wu Zetian are buried together here. It is the best-preserved of the 18 Tang imperial mausoleums. Follow the Spirit Way to appreciate the layout of the grounds, paying particular attention to the Wordless Stele and the stone statues of 61 foreign dignitaries.

• Yuanjia Village: Known as the “leading village for Guanzhong folk traditions,” the village is free to enter. It offers more than 400 kinds of Guanzhong snacks, along with craft workshops open to visitors. Sample food as you wander, and take photos of local traditions and village life.

• Xianyang Museum: Housed in a Ming dynasty Confucian temple, the museum holds more than 160,000 cultural artifacts. Highlights include its signature treasure, “Jade Immortal on a Galloping Horse,” and painted pottery soldiers and horses from the Western Han dynasty. Plan around its Monday closure.

• Gudu Covered Bridge: This 748-meter, two-level covered bridge spans the Wei River in a traditional architectural style and is one of Xianyang’s landmarks. It offers views over Xianyang Lake. Visit in the early evening to see both the sunset and the scenery after dark.

Suggested Three-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Old Town History and the Wei River Waterfront
  • Morning: After arriving in Xianyang, start at Xianyang Museum in the Confucian temple. Collections such as the Western Han painted pottery soldiers and horses provide background on the history of the Qin capital.
  • Afternoon: Walk through Xianyang Old Street, Phoenix Terrace and Tianshuijing Lane, stopping for photos around the retro-style graffiti walls and red walls.
  • Early evening: Visit Gudu Covered Bridge and Xianyang Lake together, watch the sunset over the Wei River and take a lakeside walk.
  • Evening: Eat at Huitong Night Market or Fuyuan Alley, try Huitong noodles and get a feel for local life after dark.
• Day 2: Qin and Han Imperial Mausoleums
  • Morning: Visit Hanyangling Mausoleum and follow the underground glass walkways to see Han pottery figures and archaeological remains.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Maoling Museum to visit Emperor Wu’s mausoleum and Huo Qubing’s tomb. Use a guided explanation to learn about Han dynasty history.
  • Evening: Return to the city and sample Guanzhong snacks at Fuyuan Alley while enjoying the traditional-style streets after dark.
• Day 3: Folk Traditions or a Tang Mausoleum
  • Option A (folk traditions and food): Head to Yuanjia Village, explore craft workshops along its old streets and try heritage-listed snacks such as Liquan laomian and sheep’s blood in vermicelli soup while learning about Guanzhong traditions.
  • Option B (historic remains): Take a high-speed train to Qianxian Station, then transfer to a dedicated shuttle to Qianling Mausoleum. See the Wordless Stele and Tang dynasty stone carvings. For lunch, try the Four Treasures of Qianzhou in Qianxian’s town center.

Guide to Guanzhong Local Food

• Huitong Noodles: A signature Xianyang late-night meal, the Huitong noodle scene is known as “China’s largest open-air noodle restaurant.” Dozens of noodle pots can be boiling at once. The chewy noodles come with a minced meat topping and intensely flavored chili oil, making this a good choice for an evening meal.

• Guokui Yazi: This Xianyang specialty is a meat-filled flatbread often compared to a “Chinese burger.” Small crescent-shaped guokui flatbreads are baked until crisp and filled with pork braised in a house-seasoned broth. The crisp bread contrasts with the tender, juicy filling, and the shape is more delicate than a typical roujiamo.

• Qianxian Tofu Pudding: Ranked first among the Four Treasures of Qianzhou, this dish is made by setting soybean milk using traditional methods, then seasoning it with chili oil and fragrant vinegar. Smooth, tangy, spicy and savory, it is a common local breakfast and can be paired with guokui flatbread.

• Liquan Laomian: Known as “the world’s earliest instant noodles,” this dish starts with thin flatbreads cooked on a griddle and cut into fine strips. Before serving, a hot, sour and spicy broth with minced lamb is poured over them. The strips soften in the soup, which combines savory richness with tangy heat.

• Laohanxi Lotus-Leaf Buns: Soft, lotus-leaf-shaped buns are filled generously with pork braised in a seasoned broth. The bread is fluffy, and even the fatty meat does not taste greasy. This shop maintains traditional flavors familiar to local diners and remains a regular choice for residents.

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

• Choosing an area to stay:
  • Central Qindu District: Huitong Night Market and Fuyuan Alley are nearby, with convenient transport along Metro Line 1. A good choice if food and easy travel are your priorities.
  • Weicheng District’s old street area: Xianyang Museum, Beiping Street and Gudu Covered Bridge are nearby. Explore old streets and find snacks on foot while experiencing life in the old town.
  • Around Xianyang Lake: There is a wider choice of lake-view hotels, and the surroundings are generally quieter. This area suits a relaxing stay and views of the Wei River at night.
• Transport options:
  • Travel between cities: High-speed trains from Xi’an to Xianyang take about 14–20 minutes. Metro Line 1 also provides a direct connection; for example, you can leave Baimahe Station through Exit D and walk to Gudu Covered Bridge.
  • Travel within the city and nearby: Central sights such as the museum, old streets and covered bridge are close enough to link on foot or by shared bicycle. Hanyangling, Maoling and Qianling mausoleums are farther out and are best reached by taxi, car or dedicated tourist shuttle.

Preparation and Visiting Tips

• Reservations and opening days: Book ahead for venues such as Xianyang Museum and Hanyangling, whether admission is free or paid. Account for Monday closures when planning so you do not arrive to find a venue closed.
• Visiting imperial mausoleums: The aboveground remains at Maoling, Qianling and Hanyangling can be difficult to understand without historical context. Rent an audio guide or share an official guided tour with other visitors to learn about the grounds and artifacts.
• Transport to outlying sights: Qianling is far from the city center. Rather than taking an ordinary intercity coach, take a high-speed train to Qianxian Station and transfer to a tourist shuttle to reduce travel time and the impact of traffic. Public transport connections between Maoling and Yuanjia Village are limited; independent travelers may want to consider sharing a car or driving.
• Ordering food: Local noodle dishes often use spicy seasonings. If you do not eat spicy food or can tolerate only a little heat, ask for “no chili” or “mild” before ordering.
• Clothing and walking: Autumn temperatures vary noticeably between day and night, so pack a light jacket. Visits to imperial mausoleums and old streets involve plenty of walking, so wear comfortable athletic shoes.